The Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State is in mourning following the death of its President-General, Pa James Achovwuko Oghoroko, who passed away in military detention on December 4, 2024. His death, attributed to alleged torture and inhumane treatment, has sparked outrage and grief among community members and human rights advocates.
Pa Oghoroko, alongside five other community leaders — Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Okugbaye, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, and Mrs. Rita Akata — was arrested by the Nigerian military between August 18 and 20, 2024. They were detained in an undisclosed location without formal charges, following the demolition of the Okuama community in the aftermath of the killing of 17 soldiers.
The arrests and subsequent demolition were reportedly part of a military operation in response to the deaths of the soldiers. Since their detention, the community leaders have endured harrowing conditions, with no clarity on their legal status or access to adequate medical care.
In response to the arrests, the Okuama community initiated legal action against the Nigerian Army and other authorities, filing suit No. FHC/WR/CS/84/2024—James Oghoroko & Others vs. the Nigerian Army & Others, demanding ₦100 million in damages for unlawful detention. Additionally, the community pursued redress through three separate suits — No. FHC/WR/CS/41/2024, No. FHC/WR/CS/42/2024, and No. FHC/WR/CS/43/2024 — which were later consolidated.
The Federal High Court in Warri had scheduled a bail application hearing for December 9, 2024. Tragically, Pa Oghoroko died just five days before this session, still in custody and without facing trial.
The news of Pa Oghoroko’s death was disclosed during an emergency community meeting, where leaders also revealed that Pa Dennis Okugbaye, another detainee, is in critical condition in the same undisclosed military facility.
Lead counsel for the community, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje (SAN), expressed deep concern over the development, describing it as “disturbing.” He pledged to consult with the deceased’s family and his legal team to determine the next course of action.
Pa Oghoroko’s death has plunged the Okuama community into mourning. Family members described him as a pillar of strength and wisdom, while community youths, visibly angered, were seen discussing the tragedy in somber tones. The atmosphere in the community remains tense, with calls for accountability growing louder.
Human rights groups have condemned the circumstances surrounding the death, pointing to systemic issues of unlawful detention, excessive military force, and lack of accountability. Advocacy organizations are urging the Nigerian government to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure justice for the late community leader and his co-detainees.
As the community awaits the December 9 court session, all eyes are on the Nigerian judiciary to provide clarity and justice in a case that has laid bare the fragility of human rights protections in conflict-prone areas.
